PEARL P. MICHAEL, editor and publisher of the Ohio Herald, which paper he also founded, and an active factor in community interests in the village in which he makes his home, was born in New Washington, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, Nov. 18, 1852.  He is a son of William M. and Florinda J. (Humm) Michael, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and there spent their entire lives but passed away some years ago.  Their family numbered thirteen children.
     Pearl P. Michael, the fifth in order of birth pursued his education in the public schools of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and after putting aside his text-books he entered upon an apprenticeship to the printing trade in the office of the Messenger, a weekly paper published in the city where his education was acquired.  He gained a good knowledge of the business and remained a resident of Pennsylvania until 1876, when he went to Kansas City, Missouri, and was employed on different daily papers of that place for a number of years, or until 1891, when he came to Ohio, Illinois.  Here he founded the Ohio Herald and with the exception of a period of seven years has since been its owner and manager.  He is now publishing the paper with good success and its large circulation makes it an excellent advertising medium.  Viewed from the typographical standpoint it is a well constructed sheet and the patronage which is accorded it is indicative of the fact that it is a bright, newsy journal.
     Mr. Michael was married on the 2d of May, 1877, to Miss Elmina G. Kirk, who was born in Ohio township, Bureau county, May 28, 1859.  Her parents were Bernard and Malvina (Abbott) Kirk, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of the state of New York.  In their family were four children, of whom Mrs. Michael is the eldest, and by her marriage she became the mother of two children:  Everett Blair, who was born May 28, 1878; and Ethel Kirk born Dec. 13, 1890.  They were called upon, however, to mourn the loss of their son, who died on the 31st of June, 1895.  Mrs. Michael was educated in the schools of Ohio township and Princeton, completing a high school course, and she joined her husband in Kansas City.
     Interested in community affairs and loyal in his devotion to the general good, Mr. Michael was selected for ten years' service as president of the school board, during which time his labors proved most effective for the advancement of the cause of public education here.  He has likewise been president of the board of trustees of the village of Ohio and so continues today.  Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Ohio lodge, No. 184, A. F. & A. M., and to Princeton commandery, K. T.  Both he and his wife are connected with the Christian Science church and their interests are allied with all those movements which tend toward a broader view and toward intellectual, esthetic and moral culture.  Mr. Michael started upon an independent business career with no capital or influential friends to aid him.  He has found that success is ambition's answer and his friends and neighbors recognize the justice of his claim to the prosperity which he enjoys.
Source:  Past and Present of Bureau County, Illinois By George B. Harrington, A. M., Published: CHICAGO The Pioneer Publishing Co. - 1906 - Page 181